ClearLicensed renewal checklist
Maryland contractor license renewal checklist
Verified dataState data last checked Oct 17, 2026clearlicensed.com/states/MD/checklist
Informational: verify with the issuing board. Fees are approximate and rules change. One block per license type: tick each line as you go.
HVAC
Journeyman HVACR (and Journeyman Restricted) (Journeyman)
State license · State Board of HVACR Contractors (Maryland Dept. of Labor, DOPL)
- Deadline
- 2-year term. By statute a license expires on the first October 1 in an odd-numbered year after its effective date unless the Secretary staggers expiration dates; check the expiration date on your license and renewal notice (sent about one month or more before expiration).
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- CE hours
- Not required
- Renewal fee
- About $25. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
- Late fee
- State law sets no late fee. Restoring an expired license requires payment of the renewal fee or a reinstatement fee set by the Board; the Board fee page lists no reinstatement fee.
- Grace period
- No grace period: an expired license may not be used. It can be restored within 4 years after expiration on payment of the renewal/reinstatement fee (effective Oct 1, 2025; previously 90 days).
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence high
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $25, fees change)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup
Limited HVACR Contractor (Limited)
State license · State Board of HVACR Contractors (Maryland Dept. of Labor, DOPL)
- Deadline
- 2-year term. By statute a license expires on the first October 1 in an odd-numbered year after its effective date unless the Secretary staggers expiration dates; check the expiration date on your license and renewal notice (sent about one month or more before expiration).
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- CE hours
- Not required
- Renewal fee
- About $95. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
- Late fee
- State law sets no late fee. Restoring an expired license requires payment of the renewal fee or a reinstatement fee set by the Board; the Board fee page lists no reinstatement fee.
- Grace period
- No grace period: an expired license may not be used. It can be restored within 4 years after expiration on payment of the renewal/reinstatement fee (effective Oct 1, 2025; previously 90 days).
- Insurance
- Master, master restricted and limited contractors who sign/approve contracts must carry general liability >= $300,000 and property damage >= $100,000 (combined >= $400,000); Board must be named certificate holder. Proof of insurance is required at renewal (9A-309); entering contracts uninsured is a misdemeanor (fine up to $1,000 / 6 months). Inactive renewal does not require insurance proof.
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence high
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- Certificate of insurance that meets the requirement above
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $95, fees change)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup
Master HVACR Contractor (Master)
State license · State Board of HVACR Contractors (Maryland Dept. of Labor, DOPL)
- Deadline
- 2-year term. By statute a license expires on the first October 1 in an odd-numbered year after its effective date unless the Secretary staggers expiration dates; check the expiration date on your license and renewal notice (sent about one month or more before expiration).
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- CE hours
- Not required
- Renewal fee
- About $95. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
- Late fee
- State law sets no late fee. Restoring an expired license requires payment of the renewal fee or a reinstatement fee set by the Board; the Board fee page lists no reinstatement fee.
- Grace period
- No grace period: an expired license may not be used. It can be restored within 4 years after expiration on payment of the renewal/reinstatement fee (effective Oct 1, 2025; previously 90 days).
- Insurance
- Master, master restricted and limited contractors who sign/approve contracts must carry general liability >= $300,000 and property damage >= $100,000 (combined >= $400,000); Board must be named certificate holder. Proof of insurance is required at renewal (9A-309); entering contracts uninsured is a misdemeanor (fine up to $1,000 / 6 months). Inactive renewal does not require insurance proof.
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence high
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- Certificate of insurance that meets the requirement above
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $95, fees change)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup
Master Restricted HVACR Contractor (Master Restricted)
State license · State Board of HVACR Contractors (Maryland Dept. of Labor, DOPL)
- Deadline
- 2-year term. By statute a license expires on the first October 1 in an odd-numbered year after its effective date unless the Secretary staggers expiration dates; check the expiration date on your license and renewal notice (sent about one month or more before expiration).
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- CE hours
- Not required
- Renewal fee
- About $32. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
- Late fee
- State law sets no late fee. Restoring an expired license requires payment of the renewal fee or a reinstatement fee set by the Board; the Board fee page lists no reinstatement fee.
- Grace period
- No grace period: an expired license may not be used. It can be restored within 4 years after expiration on payment of the renewal/reinstatement fee (effective Oct 1, 2025; previously 90 days).
- Insurance
- Master, master restricted and limited contractors who sign/approve contracts must carry general liability >= $300,000 and property damage >= $100,000 (combined >= $400,000); Board must be named certificate holder. Proof of insurance is required at renewal (9A-309); entering contracts uninsured is a misdemeanor (fine up to $1,000 / 6 months). Inactive renewal does not require insurance proof.
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence high
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- Certificate of insurance that meets the requirement above
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $32, fees change)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup
Electrical
Journeyperson Electrician (Journeyperson)
State license · State Board of Electricians (Maryland Dept. of Labor, DOPL)
- Deadline
- 2-year term. By statute (Bus. Occ. & Prof. 6-310) a license expires on the first June 30 in an odd-numbered year after its effective date unless the Secretary staggers expirations; the Board states each licensee has an individual expiration date two years from issue. Renewal instructions are sent about 60 days before expiration.
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- CE hours
- 5 hours
- Renewal fee
- About $19. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
- Late fee
- Reinstatement fee after expiration (in addition to the renewal fee): up to 30 days about $28; 31-60 days about $63; 61 or more days about $126.
- Grace period
- No grace period: reinstatement fees apply from the day after expiration.
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence high
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- Completion certificates for 5 hours of continuing education
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $19, fees change)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup
Master Electrician (Master)
State license · State Board of Electricians (Maryland Dept. of Labor, DOPL)
- Deadline
- 2-year term. By statute (Bus. Occ. & Prof. 6-310) a license expires on the first June 30 in an odd-numbered year after its effective date unless the Secretary staggers expirations; the Board states each licensee has an individual expiration date two years from issue. Renewal instructions are sent about 60 days before expiration.
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- CE hours
- 10 hours
- Renewal fee
- About $32. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
- Late fee
- Reinstatement fee after expiration (in addition to the renewal fee): up to 30 days about $28; 31-60 days about $63; 61 or more days about $126.
- Grace period
- No grace period: reinstatement fees apply from the day after expiration.
- Insurance
- A master electrician who provides electrical services must carry general liability insurance of at least $300,000 and property damage insurance of at least $100,000; umbrella coverage is not accepted. A master employed by a business that carries at least that coverage may submit proof of the employer's insurance instead. Masters not contracting may hold uninsured status ($63 certificate, initial and renewal).
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence medium
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- Completion certificates for 10 hours of continuing education
- Certificate of insurance that meets the requirement above
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $32, fees change)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup
Plumbing
Journeyman Plumber/Gas Fitter (Journeyman)
State license · State Board of Plumbing (Maryland Dept. of Labor, DOPL)
- Deadline
- 2-year term. By statute (Bus. Occ. & Prof. 12-308) a license expires on the first May 1 in an odd-numbered year after its effective date unless the Secretary staggers expirations; the Board states licenses expire two years from the date of issue. Renewal notice is sent at least one month before expiration.
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- CE hours
- Not required
- Renewal fee
- About $44. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
- Late fee
- No late fee published on fee page or renewal page.
- Grace period
- No grace period. An expired license may be reinstated if the application is made within 4 years after expiration.
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence high
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $44, fees change)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup
Master Natural Gas Fitter (Master NGF)
State license · State Board of Plumbing (Maryland Dept. of Labor, DOPL)
- Deadline
- 2-year term. By statute (Bus. Occ. & Prof. 12-308) a license expires on the first May 1 in an odd-numbered year after its effective date unless the Secretary staggers expirations; the Board states licenses expire two years from the date of issue. Renewal notice is sent at least one month before expiration.
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- CE hours
- Not required
- Renewal fee
- About $44. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
- Late fee
- No late fee published on fee page or renewal page.
- Grace period
- No grace period. An expired license may be reinstated if the application is made within 4 years after expiration.
- Insurance
- Master/limited master plumbers may not contract without liability insurance incl. completed operations: >= $300,000 bodily injury and >= $100,000 property damage ($400,000 per FAQ); umbrella policies don't count; Board must be certificate holder; Board cannot issue or renew without proof (12-501).
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence high
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- Certificate of insurance that meets the requirement above
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $44, fees change)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup
Master Plumber/Gas Fitter (Master)
State license · State Board of Plumbing (Maryland Dept. of Labor, DOPL)
- Deadline
- 2-year term. By statute (Bus. Occ. & Prof. 12-308) a license expires on the first May 1 in an odd-numbered year after its effective date unless the Secretary staggers expirations; the Board states licenses expire two years from the date of issue. Renewal notice is sent at least one month before expiration.
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- CE hours
- Not required
- Renewal fee
- About $88. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
- Late fee
- No late fee published on fee page or renewal page.
- Grace period
- No grace period. An expired license may be reinstated if the application is made within 4 years after expiration.
- Insurance
- Master/limited master plumbers may not contract without liability insurance incl. completed operations: >= $300,000 bodily injury and >= $100,000 property damage ($400,000 per FAQ); umbrella policies don't count; Board must be certificate holder; Board cannot issue or renew without proof (12-501).
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence high
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- Certificate of insurance that meets the requirement above
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $88, fees change)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup
Propane Gas Fitter Certificate (Propane)
State license · State Board of Plumbing (Maryland Dept. of Labor, DOPL)
- Deadline
- 2-year term. By statute (Bus. Occ. & Prof. 12-308) a license expires on the first May 1 in an odd-numbered year after its effective date unless the Secretary staggers expirations; the Board states licenses expire two years from the date of issue. Renewal notice is sent at least one month before expiration.
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- CE hours
- Not required
- Renewal fee
- Check the official site for the fee.
- Late fee
- No late fee published on fee page or renewal page.
- Grace period
- No grace period. An expired license may be reinstated if the application is made within 4 years after expiration.
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence medium
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (check the official site for the amount)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup
Roofing
Home Improvement Contractor (MHIC) - covers residential roofing (MHIC)
State license · Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)
- Deadline
- 2-year term. By statute (Bus. Reg. 8-308) a license expires on the first June 30 in an odd-numbered year unless the Secretary staggers expirations; each licensee has a personal renewal date. Notice is sent about 60 days before expiration; renew before expiration (online or by mail).
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- CE hours
- Not required
- Renewal fee
- About $456. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
- Late fee
- No late fee is published. A late renewal is not backdated: the renewed license takes effect when requirements are met and expires 2 years after the prior expiration date (COMAR 09.08.01.18).
- Grace period
- No grace period. An application filed within 2 years after expiration is presumed to be a renewal.
- Insurance
- General liability insurance of at least $500,000 is required for contractor licensees and proof of insurance is required at renewal (Bus. Reg. 8-302.1, 8-308); the Commission must be notified 10 days before cancellation. A credit report (or credit report fee) is also required at contractor renewal. A 2-year surety bond is required only when the applicant cannot show sufficient net worth (COMAR 09.08.01.19).
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence high
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- Certificate of insurance that meets the requirement above
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $456, fees change)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup
Pest control
Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator (incl. structural pest control categories) (Certified Applicator)
State license · Maryland Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation Section
- Deadline
- Jun 30 every year
- Renewal cycle
- Every year
- CE hours
- 4 hours
- Renewal fee
- About $75. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
- Late fee
- No late fee found.
- Grace period
- Certificate valid one year; if not renewed within a year, must retake certification exams.
- Official link
- https://egov.maryland.gov/mda/pesticides
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence high
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- Completion certificates for 4 hours of continuing education
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $75, fees change)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup
Pesticide Business License (commercial pest control firm) (Business)
State license · Maryland Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation Section
- Deadline
- Jun 30 every year
- Renewal cycle
- Every year
- CE hours
- Not required
- Renewal fee
- About $150. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
- Late fee
- No late fee found in MDA documents read.
- Grace period
- None stated; a license/certificate is not valid until all requirements, fees and renewal forms are received by MDA.
- Insurance
- General liability: bodily injury $100,000 each person / $300,000 each occurrence; property damage $15,000 each occurrence / $30,000 annual aggregate. Original COI on file with MDA (no photocopies) naming MDA (50 Harry S Truman Pkwy, Room 500, Annapolis MD 21401) as certificate holder.
- Official link
- https://egov.maryland.gov/mda/pesticides
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence high
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- Certificate of insurance that meets the requirement above
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $150, fees change)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup
General contractor
Home Improvement Contractor (MHIC) - residential (MHIC)
State license · Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)
- Deadline
- 2-year term. By statute (Bus. Reg. 8-308) a license expires on the first June 30 in an odd-numbered year unless the Secretary staggers expirations; each licensee has a personal renewal date. Notice is sent about 60 days before expiration; renew before expiration (online or by mail).
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- CE hours
- Not required
- Renewal fee
- About $456. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
- Late fee
- No late fee is published. A late renewal is not backdated: the renewed license takes effect when requirements are met and expires 2 years after the prior expiration date (COMAR 09.08.01.18).
- Grace period
- No grace period. An application filed within 2 years after expiration is presumed to be a renewal.
- Insurance
- General liability insurance of at least $500,000 is required for contractor licensees and proof of insurance is required at renewal (Bus. Reg. 8-302.1, 8-308); the Commission must be notified 10 days before cancellation. A credit report (or credit report fee) is also required at contractor renewal. A 2-year surety bond is required only when the applicant cannot show sufficient net worth (COMAR 09.08.01.19).
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence high
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- Certificate of insurance that meets the requirement above
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $456, fees change)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup
New Home Builder Registration (Attorney General HBRU) (HBR)
State registration · Home Builder Registration Unit, Office of the Attorney General
- Deadline
- 2-year registration: expires on the second anniversary of its effective date (Bus. Reg. 4.5-305); the AG has described quarterly expiration dates (Mar 1, Jun 1, Sep 1, Dec 1), so confirm the date on your certificate. The Unit mails a renewal form at least 60 days before expiration.
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- CE hours
- Not required
- Renewal fee
- About $400. Fees change. Check the official site for the exact amount.
- Late fee
- No late renewal is allowed: once a registration expires it may not be renewed (Bus. Reg. 4.5-305).
- Grace period
- None.
- Insurance
- General liability insurance of at least $100,000 for anyone building new homes for sale to the public (Bus. Reg. 4.5-302(a)); a bond is required only for builders reapplying after a registration revocation.
- Last verified
- Oct 17, 2026, confidence high
Have ready
- Your license number and your login for the board portal
- Certificate of insurance that meets the requirement above
- A card or account to pay the renewal fee (about $400, fees change)
After filing
- Renewal submitted
- Confirmation number or receipt saved
- New expiration date checked on the board lookup